Power Vacationing

Hi Everyone!  It's time to get the blog caught up on recent adventures.  Tide Hiker is still safely docked behind Ron and Charma Owens' house in Apollo Beach FL while we are skiing in Park City, Utah.  Well, so far Norm is skiing and Vicki is chilling out in the condo recovering from bronchitis which is now in its third week, but waning.  Luckily, friend John Van Vliet is visiting from Phoenix for a few days, so Norm has someone to ski and apres-ski with.  Vicki is perfecting the roles of chauffer, couch potato, and Olympic cheerleader. 

It's so cool that the Olympics are on while we're on vacation in a winter wonderland.  We're big winter Olympics fans and are thoroughly enjoying evenings watching the competition.  Starting tonight - Ice Dancing which is Vicki's favorite -- the Olympics version of Dancing with the Stars! 

Vicki was in Tucson with her Mom for two weeks.  They looked at five senior communities and found the perfect one for Mom.  The environment is resort-like, beautiful dining room with linen tablecloths and great food, tons of activities, fun residents, an impressively caring staff, and all levels of care should Mom need any beyond independent living.  It has everything except enough storage space in the apartments.  Downsizing will be a challenge.....kind of like moving from a house to a boat.  After interviewing four realtors, they chose one who will do a great job marketing Mom's house.  The house is going on the market on Monday and has its own cool website at http://www.mountainvistahome.com/ ---take a look.

While Vicki was in Tucson, Norm and Ron were doing lots of work on the boat.  Tide Hiker has a new VHF radio, new ceiling lights in the galley, doors that are no longer delaminating, and more.  While not working, Norm spent a day with his Aunt Barbara and Uncle Larry in Sun City, and a few 'happy hours' with Ron and Charma at Circles Restaurant. 

Daughter Colleen and husband Brian arrive here tomorrow for a week of skiing and John returns to Phoenix.  We'll get back to Tampa on March 1, then drive to Ft. Lauderdale on March 4 to board a Holland America cruise ship for the Panama Canal cruise.  Only two days back in Tampa between trips --- this is what you call "power vacationing"!